Did anyone else notice that when Stephan Fry got killed, he said "Oh". Such a good hint to the real villain.

SPOILERS I like how the flying house was the master's TARDIS

Considering who O turned out to be, his reaction on seeing the inside of the TARDIS was a brilliant bit of acting on the character's part...

Love that Sacha Dhawan has landed a big role in the show after being a front runner for the Doctor after Capaldi left! He's a great actor and is supposed to be a big fan of the show too, good for him!

As a fan of the old series, I also love that they've brought back the Matter Compression gun for the Master.....nice touch.

The characterization of this Master is perfect. He has a child-like glee in his actions which are a dark reflection of The Doctor which is what it should be.

Spoilers, this is my theory for what’s going on. The alien landscape that Yaz was in and the one the Doctor ended up in is the Gallifreyan Matrix. For those who don’t know the Matrix is Gallifrey’s central computer and its made out of living memory. The way light shot through the strands is not that dissimilar from neurons firing in the brain which would make sense for a living computer. The light beings are projections from the Matrix. This is why the sonic doesn’t register them, they aren’t real, all they are is information as conduits back to the Matrix. Remember what the one in the cage said “we are stable now”. Which would make sense if we’re talking about constructs. It would also explain how they could force their way into the Tardis. Time Lord technology vs Time Lord technology. This idea of Gallifrey’s supercomputer also ties in nicely to the theme the episode set up about technology controlling everything and the bit with VOR the tech company being more powerful than most governments. Finally when the Doctor was transported to the alien landscape her reaction looking around was almost like she knew where she was. This wouldn’t be the first time the Matrix was manipulated for the gain of a corrupt timelord.

The Master even lampshaded the Tissue Compression Eliminator from the original series. Master: "It's a classic."

That alien code map showed multiple earths! Parallel earths! Rose and Tennant!

The 'everything you know is a lie' thing makes me think that theres gonna be something to do with galifray. The master was speaking to Graham about the doctors past and it just makes me think that it was foreshadowing in some way

Improvement. Big improvement... Real, big improvement.

Fun fact: Oh was kept out of the trailer, literally edited out Marvel style to keep that actor a secret in this episode

The 10th Doctor read Harry Potter and quoted the Lion King. The 12th Doctor had never heard of the film "Aliens." You just kind of have to go with it.

I think it was very smart splitting Team Tardis into two separate groups, as it allowed everyone a chance to have their characters fleshed out a bit more, as well as giving them more to do.....at least that was my thought when watching the episode.

The main impression this episode left me with was that the writing was more self-assured. The whole thing seemed a bit more confident and more comfortable in the tone and approach it's going for. I don't know if that's Chibnall, the cast, or both - but it worked.

For a moment there, I was about to ship Yaz and O.

Didn't expect to enjoy it so much. The Master coming back I didn't expect but so glad to be talking to others about it again. Can't wait for Sunday.

"WORST UBER EVER!" - Best quote from Graham O Brien

The way I see this one is as a breath of fresh air for Jodie’s Doctor. She has someone she can really play off of now (The Master)

I hope this Master chronologically comes before Missy, it just seems like a smoother transition from Simm 🤞

I love the scene where Stephen Fry is genuinely confused that the Doctor is female and thinks Graham is The Doctor 😂🤣 I liked how it wasn't sexist aswell and that he showed genuine confusion because there hasn't been any files recorded about the female Doctor

Other worlds Sillouetted figures A footprint doesn't look like a boot !

Okay, so the master coming back during a spy episode seems to harken back hard to 3rd doctor. There the master basically was a James Bond villain and every story was basically him running up to some alien or something and being like "hey I can help you take over the world!" mostly to fuck with the doctor. Most of the time though his ego led him to being fucked over by the aliens he assumed would just recognise he's brilliant and do everything he said. It's honestly a hilarious dynamic and I'm reaaalllyy hoping that's what they're going for here. Like I'm hoping next ep it kinda shows he's not fully in control of the light aliens and it kinda blows up in his face.

The 13th Doctor in a Tux, on a motorbike, be still my beating heart...faints

I’m worried for graham as they’ve revisited his cancer. I do hope this isn’t foreshadowing for graham, maybe for how he leaves the TARDIS this special coming or next season. I would be crying!

The fact you didn't start looking suprized then just saying "Oh" is such a missed opportunity!

I think (or maybe it's hope) this Master is actually the incarnation after John Simm. That's the only way to not completely trash Missy's character arc. (Simm's Master take is unaffected by 10x11 and 10x12 since he should have lost his memory about that). It could also be an earlier incarnation, but that would undermine in my opinion his earlier line of "If he's not human, that's one very impressive legend he's put together". This, to me, reffers clearly to John Simm's Master creating his character of Prime minister Saxon. Would be a bit weird to say this if he was an earlier incarnation. The other possibility to counter this is that this is actually the incarnation after Missy and that the Master's "everything you think you know is a lie" bit reffers to him actually trying to help, but that his hands are tied or something. Anyway, I hope this is not the case and Missy stays the final incarnation. Very fitting ending for the character. Nice review! :)

ALSO! Love how The Master just rocks up at the start of the series, like yessssss!!

Im not lying, i actually called "O" as being untrustworthy (rule no.1 of espionage, trust no-one) and said to my gf while watching that it could be the master as a kinda joke. Accidentally called it!

#SPOILERS As a British Asian actor. My god. That ending. Holy balls. I cried. I reckon Sacha Dhawan Master is after John Simm's. Not Missy's. And I agree with you about the Buffy kinda villain. Returning. Not always right at the end ☺

I LOVED this episode. There was so much to love in it and it was just a really fun ride. Stephen fry was brilliant. I loved his character being named C in a presumable reference to his Control character. Yaz felt much more fleshed out and did a great job of establishing herself. The whole plot was really compelling and I thought the aliens were so intriguing. I have never been more vocal in exclaiming things out loud to the tv than when watching this episode, especially at the end. Also I feel like people aren’t talking enough about the line that was basically ‘vore is the most important thing on the planet’ or however it was phrased

YES I'm ACTUALLY LIKING DOCTOR WHO AGAIN!

When I first heard the description of the episode, I thought it would be picking up the plot point left dangling at the end of Return of Doctor Mysterio

Finally Chibnall wrote a decent episode and it only took him two years.

I love that Yaz actually got to do a bit of intense acting!

I LOVED it! I got a notification for your video titled 'let's talk about the new master ' before I had a chance to see this episode oops. But even then I was STILL surprised!! 😂

I really enjoyed this episode. I love that the Master's return was kept so secret this time. Even when he said "spy....Master" I was in a bit of denial for a bit. Like no way, he's somehow bluffing, reaction . I also appreciate that these aliens are still a mystery. There was a couple of slightly scary moments, action, it was just really fun to watch. Roll on Sunday, though I'm going in with caution.

Seeing 13 in a tuxedo version of her normal costume cracks me up in the best way. #DapperDoctor

I loved this episode and spent a couple of hours waiting for your review of it. Hope it makes for a fantastic season!

I literally just watched this episode an hour ago, your timing is impeccable

Baring this "I've read all the records and the doctor is a man" "IVE HAD AN UPGRADE!" UGH... This was legitimately a good episode. Could have done without the car chase and shootout. But it's nice to see them actually trying.

I was spoiled that the Master would be in it, but I thought it would be a COMPLETELY different character. That was genius.

I just want to say that the soundtrack in the second half of this episode is probably the best I've heard from Segun Akinola so far! Well done, man!

Another excellent, well balanced review. On the subject of two parters, the first part always ends on a cliffhanger whereas the second part usually ends with a resolution so by default the first part will have generated greater excitement and anticipation. I thoroughly enjoyed this episode and am typing this with crossed fingers hoping it continues in this vein. Many thanks and all the best, Dave.

I’m curious how The Master’s return will be explained, if at all. Missy’s death seemed quite final so perhaps this is an earlier version of The Master? If so we could have the whole River Song situation where The Doctor and The Master start meeting out of order. That’s my theory anyways

I love that it's a middle of the week release. A two parter that will be resolved four days later is a hell of a good idea to build up momentum.

Awesome review!! Loved it all! I think the "everything you know is a lie" line is a reference to the Timeless Child (but I could be wrong) :O

"I've read the file, the Doctor is a man!" "I got an upgrade!" :D

A really great episode. The Master reveal is one for the ages!

"Snap!!!" The Doctor doesn't realise she is playing poker!!! A great Doctor Moment!!!

I catch your channel occasionally, but I must say, this 13th doctor cosplay look is great. Love how you accessorized.

This ep was just fun. So glad it’s back, and that we only have a few days to wait till part 2 🙂

I really liked it. also she rocked that suit, can she keep that one please!!! Spoilers The master concerns me, we last saw them at the end of their redemption but now we’re back in full villain swing. The performance was also pretty all over the place and I couldn’t get a handle on his personality. Is he crazy, reserved, giddy or angry?

New Master is awesome. Just what I think.

Am so happy to see Dr Who back. Great opener, quite excited for next part. As always loved your review, that's why I keep coming back. Noticed BBC been playing with us regarding Master reveal, clever release of set photos. Am 1 satisfied viewer.

When the Master reveal came up, I literally started just repeating no over and over in my living room while my dad looked at me like I was crazy. I hated it to be honest

I thought that Resolution was the best Chibnall episode of the last series (Even though it was technically a special)

I got Matt Smith vibes from the new Master which is great because I always thought Matt would've made a good Master.

I love that they gave Yas stuff to do and related it back to her policing. She knows how to investigate and how to ask questions cos that's literally her job!

I loved it! I love that the fam are coming together, and I love that this story is personal to the doctor! So! Many! Exclamation! Marks!

spoilers I really hope that Missy is after this master. I'm going to be so sad if Missy's transformation never meant anything.

I must say, they sure as heck came out guns blazing for a first episode of a season. In my opinion if Series 12 continues this way the show just might be back on track again.

When I first saw "O" flirting with Yaz at the party, I immediately thought "Welp, Yaz has caught the Cartwright Curse", which is part of what fooled me.

As soon as he revealed himself as the Master, Sacha Dhawan played the character very much like John Sims did.

Seeing O's persona switch to the Master made me smile for the first time watching Doctor Who since Series 10 ended. He played the part BRILLIANTLY and captured John Simm SO well! Such a great actor. My only complaint is that I still am not a fan of bringing him back so soon after his/her last appearance, especially as it was pretty definitive that she had died so I hope they exp[lain that away and explain the character's de-evolution from Missy's whole character arc. Maybe the whole parallel universe's thing will explain how this is an alternate version of him?

Still cannot stand her saying gang and fam and stuff like that. Then we've got her saying she's an upgrade from a Male doctor. Few cringeworthy scenes however I did actually enjoy the episode as a whole

Like you, I love a woman in a tux. I caught the too-long tails, the too-short pants and the boots and burst out laughing! That was priceless and *_perfect!_* All in all I loved this episode. I realized, at the end of the first act, my heart was racing and I was sitting up in my chair and thinking, "YES! _This_ is what I've been hoping for!"

Great episode. I loved how they played off a couple of small character beats to heighten the big reveal. There was chemistry with Yaz and O, Ryan’s whole deal with her sister...it gets you thinking, “I see here this is going.” Nice!

Man, I still can't believe Chibnall brought back the Master. Hell, he even brought back the silly Tissue Compression Eliminator! Now, that has my faith in Doctor Who restored (slowly...). Not entirely sure how I can judge since it's just the first half of the story and I do hope part 2 sticks the landing. So far, best episode Chibnall has written so far! My only concern is whether or not Chibnall is going a bit overboard with bringing back old foes with the Master, the Cybermen, the Daleks and the Judoon, all in one series.

RIP Terence Dicks 2019

I freaking loved it! Am a little scared this is a great start and the rest will not be as good. Can’t wait for Sunday to come. Love the new master, Sasha Dhawan. And that manic laugh!!!! He posted a beautiful note on his Instagram an hour ago. He had to keep this secret for a whole year. And let me take this opportunity to wish a great 2020 😘

A great review of a really nice series opener! For me, this is the best opener since S5. BTW - I must say that your hair look great!

SPOILERS! I must admit the Master reveal gave me major goosebumps. I didn't enjoy the chase scene I'm not sure I could tell you why but I didn't. Iliked that they gave Yaz more to do, though Yaz and the master had like weird chemistry not like relationship kinda thing but just like buds it was kinda weird. Ive changed my opinion on the doctor I don't mind her and she's starting to work for me. No one made a joke about never trusting a satnav that's annoying. I like this new master already! Graham is amazing as useal! Ryan and Yaz had a good moment I guess.

Honestly, I was fine _until_ the reveal. The Master & Missy were caught up in a death paradox, now would have been the perfect time to bring back one of the Other Time Lords. The tone isn't quite right for *The Monk,* but given the nature of the threat *War Chief* or *The Rani* could have worked. Both of them have history of working with other lifeforms too. Alternatively, given these new aliens seem energy based, this could have been the return of *Omega.* I am really bothered by the fact New Who only thinks 3 Time Lords exist - The Doctor, Master/Missy and Rassilon.

That was a great episode!!

can't get over your glasses, so adorable!

I liked Series 11 and thought it was a solid beginning to the new era, Doctor, companions and direction but this built off of what worked and what didn't like Chibnall did in Torchwood Series 2 and I really liked the James Bond inspired spy storyline. We had compelling villains and an amazing and unexpected twist and cliffhanger. Looking forward to the second part

I quite liked this. A solid 7-8 out of ten. I hope the Master is after Sim before Missy in an ideal world. And the new monster, the glowers, are really cool and are far and away the best monster he's made. Yaz for me got the best sequence in the entire episode. And that master reveal worked because there wasn't a massive obvious tip off that he was the master, but lots of subtle hints about his obsession with the doctor and his charming almost creepy demeanour. Also reactions wise, most people seem to of enjoyed it and the people who were going into it hating it hated it. Who would of guessed? . However, I must say the Doctor is my least favourite part of doctor who at the moment and that really makes me sad. Also good review mate. Glad to see your taking the new series in your stride

P.S. I'm a new viewer, and I LOVE your outros!

You didn’t touch on the villains of this episode aside from the master that much so what did you think of them and what do you think they are because there are some interesting theories already

i feel like they should have waited some more seasons, before re introducing the master, we just saw missy die ''standing with the doctor'' 2 seasons ago, so the fact that the master is already back and insane as ever is kinda irritating, for me it feels like they just kinda throw out the character growth from series 10. that being said i can see it work if they make this a version that was before missy. cuz if not i feel like this is a bit too fast. that being said i thought it was a cool episode, i just wish they had waited a bit to bring back the master. idk maybe it's just me? i look forward to hear your guys oppinion. :) ps. i saw someone saying they think it could be the master from a parralell universe, that idea i think would work insanely will, since that means missy still died a ''good'' person.

Have to say, I'm enjoying Spyfall so far, loved the end twist and it self more like a Doctor Who (New Who) story than most of series 11.

Can someone help me out, was Jaz' sister having the hots for Ryan, a subplot in series 11 that I just missed, or is this the first we've heard about it?

Loved this episode!

A friend of mine has an interesting theory that it isn't actually The Master and is someone who's read all these files about The Doctor. I don't believe that, but I thought I'd float it here because it's a very different theory to the ones I've normally seen. Also I loved this episode! It reminded me of The Return of Doctor Mysterio, if people get what I'm saying?? Like the genre dip/mix and how it doesn't just feel like an episode of Doctor Who, but it really does feel like that other thing. I could say so much more, but I don't want this comment to be a freaking essay.

God I couldn't wait till you reviewed this.

I was waiting for your review! Really enjoyed the episode. I was shouting 'what?!' at the tv, so it almost felt like a return to Moffatt.

Really impressed with this episode! New Master is terrifying, during that reveal. Hope series 12 continues this strong!

Not a bad start at all. Now curious as to what the "fandom menace" is going to find wrong with it.

Best two parter "The impossible planet/The satan pit" That could have been a movie.

Absolutely loved this episode

I agree with everything you said, however i feel the monsters are a bit uninspired and unoriginal, the just seem like the boneless but with a bit more articulation. Does the master also have a thing with planes?

IT WAS AWESOME!! It was everything I've been asking for! A huge epic story, a gigantic threat and a continuing storyline! I AM SATISFIED!!

Best comment: ”I had an upgrade, Hi!” 😂😂

What I want to know is... Will Chibnall going to explain how the Master is alive after the "The Doctor Falls?" Or is it going to just be one of those "timey-winey wibbley-wobbley stuff?"

I'm a sucker for a woman in a suit, too, and I loved Jodie's somewhat shambolic look. Just as with Troughton's "cosmic hobo", nothing seemed to properly fit, which I found endearing.

I liked the twist, but I don't like anything else. The dialogue, characters, and plot are terrible.

The real question is is this master after Harold Saxon or missy?

Totally agree with you it is Soooooooo good to be watching this show again!

I loved how creepy the beings of light looked outside at night. Seeing that first one, off in the distance, was an amazing image.